Connect to the NBN

There is still a lot of planning, build preparation, construction and installation to be done to get all of Australia connected, but NBN Co aims to have the job done by 2020. So, even if your area hasn’t yet made the transition, chances are you’re not far off enjoying the benefits of a reliable internet service and the choice of a number of speed options.

To make sure you’re prepared for the NBN’s much-anticipated arrival, we’ve put together everything you need to know about installation, extra equipment and cabling, and connecting as a renter or business.

Is your area NBN ready?

As you can imagine, switching every home and business in Australia to a new internet service is a massive job. That said, NBN has made a lot of progress since 2009, with more than 3.5 million premises across the country which already have access to the service.

You can quickly and easily check if your area is in the current rollout plan by entering your address into the NBN Co map. If the nbn is rolling out in your area or is already available, call iSelect to discuss service providers and speed packages options.

What equipment is being installed and what will it cost?

Unless you live in a remote area, it’s likely that you will be hooked up to the NBN via a standard fixed-line connection. There are currently four kinds of fixed line connections: fibre to the premises, fibre to the node, fibre to the building, and hybrid fibre coaxial.

If you do live in a remote area, your NBN service may be delivered via a fixed wireless connection to a specially installed antenna or satellite dish on your roof.

Standard installation of the NBN supplied equipment, such as an NBN utility box, connection box and power supply, may be free. However, your internet provider may pass on additional charges. This could include any further technology and equipment required at your premises, depending on where you live and the existing network infrastructure in your area.

In some cases, you may require extra cabling to connect your own equipment to the NBN connection box. If so, these do not fall under the standard installation costs covered by the NBN and will have to be supplied by you or your service provider. You can ask your provider about any additional equipment needed when discussing your service requirements.

Can I access the NBN if I am a renter?

If the NBN is available in your area and you rent or lease, you can connect to the network as long as your landlord does not object.

If your landlord is happy for it to go ahead, you are free to book the installation through your chosen service provider.

Getting your business connected

In order to upgrade the existing infrastructure to support the new service, the NBN Co will be replacing a lot of the copper and hybrid fibre-coaxial landline networks. That means some of the fixed line phone and internet services we are using now will be permanently disconnected.

If your services will be switched off and you need to move to the new network – or if you just want to take advantage of the new supercharged internet service – you can connect your business to the NBN in a few simple steps:

Stay up to date. If the NBN hasn’t quite reached your area, you will see an option to register for updates. The NBN Co will notify you when the connection is available in your area, and you will have 18 months from that date to move your services over to the new network.

Compare and switch. Your service won’t be switched automatically, so this is a good opportunity to compare offers from the NBN providers in your area and find the right plan for your business.

Check equipment compatibility. Ask your equipment provider if your current set-up will work properly after you move to the NBN, or whether it can be upgraded. This includes the following devices:

Security systems.

EFTPOS machines.

Professionally monitored medical alarms and emergency call buttons.

Lift emergency phones.

Fax machines.

Monitored fire alarms.

A year and a half might seem like a long time to switch services, but the NBN Co recommends you get cracking on the new connection ASAP, as it may take a while to process your order and book the installation. You don’t want to be left trying to run your business with the phone and internet cut off while you wait for the new connection to be set up!

In one call iSelect can help find you the right plan. We’ll compare NBN and Internet products from our range of internet providers to get you on the best plan for your needs and budget.